There’s something irresistibly comforting about tender pasta rolled around a rich filling of sautéed shrimp and vibrant spinach, wrapped in creamy roasted red pepper sauce. This Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rollatini strikes the perfect balance between dinner-party elegance and cozy homemade appeal.
The silky red pepper cream not only deepens the flavors but also adds a gorgeous pop of color on the plate—making this dish a feast for both eyes and palate. Ideal for special occasions or a satisfying midweek treat, it’s easy enough to feel relaxed about yet luxurious enough to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 lasagna noodles
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup roasted red pepper purée
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375 °F. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and lay flat.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chopped shrimp and cook until just opaque. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper; cool slightly.
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In a bowl, stir together ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and the cooled shrimp‑spinach mixture.
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Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto each noodle and roll it up tightly. Arrange seam‑side down in a greased baking dish.
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In the same skillet, warm heavy cream and stir in roasted red pepper purée and smoked paprika. Simmer until slightly thickened.
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Pour the pepper‑cream sauce over the rollatini, covering them evenly.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: ~380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
A Delicious Marriage of Seafood and Comfort Food
Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream is a dish that effortlessly blends comfort food indulgence with elevated, restaurant-worthy flair. This recipe is a delightful combination of creamy textures, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. It captures the heartiness of traditional baked pasta dishes while offering a unique twist through the use of fresh seafood and a velvety, smoky red pepper sauce.
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy pasta but are looking for something a little more special than the usual marinara or Alfredo. It adds a dimension of freshness with chopped spinach and sautéed shrimp, lightening the dish and complementing the rich sauce. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, looking to impress a date, or just indulging in a cozy night in, this dish will exceed expectations.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This dish stands out not just because of its flavor, but because of its thoughtful construction. Instead of layering pasta and sauce like a traditional lasagna, it takes the visual appeal a step further by rolling the filling into tender lasagna noodles. These pasta rolls are then nestled in a luxurious roasted red pepper cream sauce, which is both visually stunning and packed with flavor.
The use of shrimp instead of the more common beef or chicken provides a light, slightly sweet protein that beautifully contrasts with the earthiness of spinach and the sharpness of Parmesan and ricotta. The addition of roasted red pepper cream elevates the dish even further, infusing it with a smoky, slightly tangy richness that you won’t find in most traditional baked pasta recipes.
Perfect for Entertaining or Weekly Meal Rotation
Although it presents like a restaurant-style entrée, this recipe is practical enough to make during the week. You can prep the components ahead of time—cooked pasta, shrimp-spinach filling, and even the red pepper sauce can all be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
It’s also a smart option for entertaining because it bakes all at once in a single dish, allowing you to focus on guests instead of stove-side multitasking. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread, and you’ve got an impressive, satisfying meal that requires surprisingly little effort when planned well.
A Versatile, Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile
One of the reasons this dish is a true crowd-pleaser is its balanced flavor profile. The shrimp brings a subtle seafood sweetness that’s never overpowering. Spinach adds an herbaceous, slightly bitter edge that cuts through the creaminess. The cheeses—ricotta for smoothness and Parmesan for umami—pull everything together. Then, of course, the red pepper cream ties it all up with a bold, smoky finish that keeps you coming back for more.
You can also customize it to suit your preferences. Not a fan of shrimp? Try using lump crab, scallops, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Want to make it vegetarian? Leave out the shrimp and double up on the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms for a heartier texture. This flexibility makes it a strong candidate for repeat inclusion in your meal rotation.
Health and Nutrition Insights
While the dish feels indulgent, it also offers some notable nutritional benefits. Shrimp is high in lean protein and low in fat, while spinach is packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Using ricotta adds a creamy mouthfeel without requiring too much heavy cream or butter. Roasted red peppers are rich in vitamin C and fiber, and the overall balance of ingredients makes it both hearty and nutrient-dense.
That said, this is still a comfort food dish at heart—rich in flavor and satisfying in portion size. Those watching calorie intake can moderate the cheese and cream or use low-fat alternatives without sacrificing too much of the flavor profile.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This pasta bake can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking or add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. The sauce retains its creaminess without breaking, and the pasta remains tender, not mushy. If you’re cooking for one or two, consider dividing the assembled rolls into two smaller baking dishes so you can bake one now and freeze the other for later.
To freeze: assemble the rolls and sauce but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus complement the red pepper tones.
For beverages, try a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which balances the creamy sauce and enhances the seafood elements. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, a lemon-infused sparkling water or iced herbal tea would make a great match.
For a more indulgent dinner, serve this dish with a buttery garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the extra sauce. Top the rolls with a little extra Parmesan or fresh basil just before serving to enhance both presentation and flavor.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Recipe Repertoire
This recipe hits the sweet spot between impressive and approachable. It offers complex flavor without requiring complicated techniques, and it’s visually stunning without needing a culinary degree to plate. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone looking to upgrade your dinner game, this recipe is a go-to that delivers every time.
Its blend of seafood, cheese, vegetables, and creamy sauce hits all the major cravings, making it suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions. Plus, with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly flexibility, it adapts easily to your schedule.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream is more than just another pasta bake—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and elegance in a single dish. The combination of juicy shrimp, tender spinach, creamy cheeses, and smoky-sweet red pepper sauce is one that will keep your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Whether served on a weeknight or as the star of a holiday spread, this dish is destined to become a cherished favorite in your home. It’s comforting, yet elevated. Familiar, yet innovative. And best of all, it’s customizable to your needs—making it the perfect recipe to showcase your culinary creativity while keeping things absolutely delicious.